Tamil Nadu, July 13: A fire broke out in a goods train carrying diesel near Tiruvallur railway station in Tamil Nadu early Sunday, disrupting rail traffic in and out of Chennai, authorities said.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m., when four wagons of the train, en route from Manali to Tirupati, caught fire, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and prompting an emergency response.
Firefighters and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene and managed to contain the blaze after intense efforts, officials said.
“There is no danger to life at this point. Rescue teams have taken full control of the train,” Superintendent of Police A Srinivasa Perumal told NDTV.
Residents living near the railway station were evacuated as a precaution, though authorities reported no casualties or damage to nearby property.
The fire posed significant challenges due to the highly inflammable nature of diesel, according to Seema Aggarwal, Chief of Fire Services.
“Our teams have reached the spot and are extinguishing. Since it’s diesel, it’s a challenge. Additional teams have been sent,” she said.
The incident has disrupted train operations to and from Chennai, with the Southern Railways cancelling eight trains and diverting five others. Rail officials said efforts were underway to restore normal services.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, authorities added.
